An intricate system of about 1/4 million kilometres of power lines carries electricity from generators to its final destination - home, business and industry.
Falling water or steam, from burning coal or from splitting atoms in a nuclear plant, spin huge turbine generators which produce electricity at about 20,000 volts. A volt (v) is a unit which measures the pressure of an electric current. It is the "push" behind the current.
Although only 120 or 240 v is needed to light and power your home, electricity leaves the generating station at about 20,000 v. It then passes to a step-up transformer, which increased the voltage to 115,000, 230,000 or 500,000 v depending on the amount of power to be distributed and the distance it will travel. The further electricity has to travel along transmission lines, the more power it loses along the way. Higher voltages minimize the loss. Regardless of the voltage, the amount of electricity remains the same, higher voltages just increase the pressure.
From the main transformer stations in Ontario, lower voltage lines conduct electricity to cities and major industries. These distances are usually shorter, so step-down transformers decrease the voltage to 44,000 or 27,600 v.
To be distributed through a municipal or rural district, the voltage is further decreased. Small transformers located on street poles again reduce voltages, this time to 120 or 240 v, before electricity enters your home

• Don't use an electrical appliance around water or with wet hands.
• Never put anything other than the correct plus into an electrical outlet.
• Keep cords in good shape and discard them if frayed or worn.
• Keep cords away from water and heat.
• Cover unused outlets with safety covers.
• Eliminate "octopus" connections.
• When changing a fuse, turn off the breaker.
• Only use the correct sized fuse.
• Make sure all appliances have an approved label by an authorized agency, like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
• Disconnect appliances before cleaning.
• Don't use water to put out an electrical fire. Use a fire extinguisher or baking soda.

• Always exercise extreme caution when you are working or playing near power lines. A line of less than 750 volts is capable of injuring or killing someone who touches or comes close to it.
• When carrying long tools or ladders, or operating equipment, be careful to avoid contact with overhead lines.
• If you strike a power line, remain on the equipment. Getting out creates a path to the ground and can be fatal.
• Don't touch a person or the equipment that has been struck by a power line while still in contact with a live power line.
• Never climb a fence protecting electrical equipment.
• Never fly a kite near overhead power lines.
• Never touch wires that may have come down as they may be live.
• Remain in your vehicle during a storm. If struck by lightning or a fallen power line, the rubber tires will stop the flow of electricity.
• If caught outside during an electrical storm, stay away from open areas and trees. Never swim during an electrical storm as water is an excellent conductor of electricity.

• Remind youngsters to avoid areas marked "keep out" or "danger" and never to pull or push things into electrical outlets.
• Warn children of the danger of touching power lines. Never fly a kite or model airplanes in the vicinity of power lines.
• Climbing hydro poles, towers, trees near power lines or fences surrounding electrical equipment is extremely dangerous.